RUSTY CRACRAFT

JACKSON, Mo. -- Gene C. "Rusty" Cracraft, 79, of Jackson died Monday, May 7, 2001, at his home.

He was born June 17, 1921, in Jackson, son of Sherman Cooper and Berenice C. Miller Cracraft. He and Mary Jane Thompson were married April 24, 1942. She died May 1, 1999.

Rusty was owner and operator of Cracraft-Miller Furniture and Funeral Service more than 56 years.

He was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church, 59-year member of Optimist Club of Jackson, 50-year member and past commander of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158, 50-year member of Excelsior Lodge 441 AF&AM, and member of Jackson Heritage Association.

Rusty was a tech 5 in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Nancy Cracraft of Jackson; a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Joe Walker of Potosi, Mo.; four grandchildren, Michael Cracraft of Rolla, Mo., Ashley Cracraft of Jackson, Jodi and Julie Walker of Potosi.

He was preceded in death by a son, Keith; two brothers, Edward and Sherman Cooper Jr.

Friends may call at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Chapel from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. John Rice and the Rev. Scott Lohse officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jackson Tribal Council at Jackson R-2 School District.